Effective Evangelism needs

Effective Evangelism needs? (part 1)

3-4-07

Matt 28:16-20 (17)

Last week we talked a little bit about getting the gospel out to lost souls. We touched on the words “one anther” and the importance of these words. For at sometime in your life you have been or will be the “one anther” Today I have a question but I also have the answers for us. Yes there will be a test; it’s called the rest of your life.

The question is “Effective Evangelism Needs?” What does it take for us to be effective in showing those that don’t know or understand what Jesus is all about? What does it take for me and you to be effective evangelists? There are four words that I feel best describe what we need to be effective evangelists. They are “confidence - willing - dedication - love”. A person needs all four of these in them to be effective at most anything in life but with out a shadow of doubt you will need these to be effective in evangelism.

1) Confidence = (Webster) trust, reliance, assurance, belief in ones abilities.

Heb 3:14 - Prov 14:26

Let’s look at what confidence in God and his power in you can do. (1Sam17:1-58)

Here we have the story of David and Goliath. We have the Philistines on one side of the mountain and the Israelite army on the other side and a valley in between the two of them. Some time you have to go into the valley to face your enemy. (Ps 23:4)

We have Goliath standing over nine feet tall shouting insults at the Israelites (1 Sam 17:8-11). We have David the youngest of Jesse eight son’s out watching over the flock of sheep (1 Sam 17:14 -15). These insults went on for forty days (1 Sam 17:16 ).

Now Jesse tells David to take some food to his brothers and the army of the Israelites and to get a report on how the battle is going. When David arrives the two army’s are lining up for battle as they had before and Goliath came out again with the same insults and threats, only this time David hears them ( 1 Sam 17:20-23). And like before the Israelite army run, but look at what David said (1 Sam 17:26 ). King Saul heard what David had said and calls for him. Look at the conversation between David and Saul

(1 Sam 17:32-37). Saul give David his armor and sword to go and fight Goliath but they are to big and to heavy for David, so David takes them off and gets his staff, five smooth stones from the creek and his sling shot and goes out to face the nine foot Goliath. Look at the conversation between David and Goliath (1 Sam 17:43 -45) Look at how quick the battle was over (1 Sam 17:48 -49)

Just how much confidence in God do you think David had? Do you have a problem standing up for God against the Goliaths of this world. When its time to do battle for God against the enemy do you run like the scared Israelites or do you get your staff go to the creek and get five smooth stones and your sling shot and head to the battle field?

2) Willing = (Webster) Consenting, giving, given, readily and cheerfully, doing it gladly.

Look at what David told his son Solomon (1 Chr 28:9)

When David took on Goliath we had more then just confidence in God, he was willing to give of himself and his time and he did it gladly. He did not have to be forced or even asked he just did it.

Let’s look at an example of willingness. (Ex 35:4-35)

Moses has come before the children of Israel and is telling them the things needed to make a Tabernacle 9or temple to God. Let’s look at how he tells them to give when they give toward the building of the Tabernacle. ( Ex 35:4-9) Look at what else Moses tells them (Ex 35:10).

Moses goes on telling them what they need all these items for and why they are important. Look at what happened when Moses got done talking to them (Ex 35:20-22, 29).

They were building a place to worship God, offer sacrifices to God and a place to pray to God. They built a temple that they might serve God.

Look at what Paul has to say to us (1Cor 3:16 -17).

Just as the Israelites had to be willing to give both in material items and time in the building of their temple to God we must do the same. The bible says that God is a spirit and those that worship him must worship him in spirit in truth (Jn 4:24 )

Following God is not just one aspect of life. Confidence in God and a willing heart to do what God asks of us is just the start. Next week we will look at “Dedication and True Love” Please come back to see the importance of the “Dedication and True Love”.

May God always bless you in your desire to serve him.

HEAR – BELIEVE – REPENT – CONFESS – BAPTIZED – LIVE A FIATHFUL LIFE.